1. By: Nichole Quihuis Grade 7

2. A Hurricane is… A rotating cyclone of thunder storms with a defined central eye Sustained wind speeds of at least 74 mph They form generally in the tropic regions Fueled by warm sea surface temperatures and low atmospheric pressure

3. Formation of a Hurricane Begins with low pressure off the coast of Africa Strong westerly winds Strong evaporation due to warm sea surface temperatures Initial cluster of thunderstorms (Tropical Depression) Thunderstorms form more organized circular bands around the central eye

4. Hurricane Season Summer months into early fall (June-September) Possible winter hurricanes if conditions are right Increased sea surface temperatures Stronger evaporation Associated with a defined shift in westerly winds in the Northern Hemisphere

5. Hurricane Strength Categories 5 Categories with 1 being the weakest Category 1 is 74-95 mph Category 2 is 96-110 mph Category 3 is 111-130 mph Category 4 is 131-155 mph Category 5 is 156 mph or greater

6. FUN FACT!! The total amount of energy released by a hurricane (rainfall, heat radiation, and wind) is equivalent to 200 times the world-wide electrical generating capacity!!!!!! WOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!

7. Damage Effects Most of the damage comes from storm surge Wind Flooding from rainfall A lot of communication infrastructure damage